INCENSE

Chapter 23

Hindi ko alam kung bakit palagi na lang akong hinahanap ni Rupert. Tinakasan na naman niya ang trabaho. Dati rati hindi ko pa siya mataboy, ngayon hindi na talaga. I gave in. He is stubborn, pays no attention to anything I have to say, and drives me crazy with his laziness. Imbis na maiinis ako, matatawa na lang ako. He's lively, which instantly makes me happy. He is my good therapy. Heto, hinahatak na naman niya ako. Ewan ko ba, ang dami niya lang nalalaman sa buhay.

“Hey, Rupert. Slow down. Madadapa ako. Saan ba tayo pupunta.” I asked.

I was walking with my eyes covered. Rupert gave me his hand. I'm not sure where we were headed. Mukhang isa na naman sa mga pakulo niya.

“It’s a secret for now.” He said happily.
We finally stop walking. I think he slowly undid the handkerchief in my eyes as he turned to face me from behind. I'm not sure what to say, but I felt like I was in a different universe when I opened my eyes. It was truly enchanted. Although shiny, it wasn't painful to the eyes. It was evening and ang daming palamuti at pailaw. We were in a lavender garden with a lake that was illuminated by several floating lights, giving the water a more vibrant shade of crystal blue. It features a balcony in the middle, via which a little bridge can be accessed. In the balcony, there was a nicely set-up eating table for two. It had a romantic feel to it.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“Its, Its beautiful. I can’t stop looking.” I mesmerized.

“Let’s go.” He offered his arms.

“Yes.” I smiled and hold his arms.

I can't stop my heart from racing while I walk. He has a romantic side, which was an unexpected realization. Nang makalapit na kami sa table, he offered a seat and we sat facing each other.

“Ganito din ba ang ginagawa mo sa mga ibang babaeng nakasama mo? You did it nicely. I’m impressed. They’ll definitely fall for you.” I said.

“I never do this with other women, I assure you. All of it was for you.” He said. Although it was an unintentional remark, I did not anticipate his response.

"Why are you acting in this way? You don't have to work very hard on this.”

“I came here initially simply for business, but when I met you, my perspective changed. I'm aware of how immature and stubborn I can be. This may annoy you, but it's the only way I have to let you know how I feel.” He suddenly holds my right hand.

“I-I don’t understand-“

“Since the first day I met you, I have been in love with you. I am aware that this is absurd, but it is how I feel. I adore you a thousand times over. You were the final piece I had been searching for. You are my diamond, and without you, my life would not be complete. I was only ever made this way by you. When you smile at other people, my mind would absolutely blow up. I desired to have you all to myself. You have my undying love, Adel. Please allow me to show you that I'm sincere about wanting your heart. I'll show you that loving me is worthwhile.” He then kisses my hand.

Is this for real! I thought he was just fooling around and yet he confesses that he loves me?! Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko sa kanya. Ang bilis ng mga pangyayari. Tiningnan ko lamang siya ang I think he’s waiting for my response. I’m afraid to turn him down without giving him a chance.

“Parang ang bilis naman ata.”

“Am I too fast?”

“I think so.”

“Do you have a lover?”

“No, I don’t have any.”

“Then, will you give me a chance?”

“I'm not sure what love is or if I've ever been in love, but if you prove to me that you are worth loving, you might win my heart.”

“Then, my highness, I'll do all in my power to win your love and keep it there until you can think of no reason not to.” He suddenly approached me and hugged me.

Naguguluhan pa ang isip ko. Have I made the proper choice? Although he seems like a great guy, I've never had a romantic inclination toward him. A good brother to me was all I could think about. Masyado ko lang siguro minadali. I might start to fall for him too if we were to spend some time together. We'll match up perfectly. I hope so.